Print head cartridge

[sitdowncomedy]

Print head cartridge is stuck on left side.  Will not budge.

[Jerry_57]

Hi @sitdowncomedy,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I hear that a stuck print head carriage is typically caused by a paper jam, a misaligned gear/lock, or a damaged encoder cable. To fix it, unplug the printer, check for physical debris, manually move the head to the centre, and reset the printer.
 

Step-by-Step Recovery Process
 

1. Power Off & Unplug: Turn off the printer and pull the power cord directly from the wall and the back of the printer. Wait for at least 60 seconds.
    
2. Check for Obstructions: Open the main access door and shine a flashlight into the far left corner. Look for crumpled paper fragments, label remnants, or hardened ink buildup obstructing the carriage's path.
    
3. Manually Unlock the Carriage: With the printer completely off, gently try to slide the print head toward the centre. If you feel extreme resistance, do not force it, as it could indicate a mechanical lock or gear issue.
    
4. Reseat the Cartridges: Remove all ink cartridges and check for any torn labels or misalignment. Reinstall them firmly until they click into place.
    
5. Inspect the Encoder Strip: Look closely for the thin, clear/silver strip that runs horizontally behind the print head. If this strip is disconnected, scratched, or snapped, the printer cannot track the carriage's position.
    
6. Perform a Power Drain: Reconnect the power cord and turn the printer on. If an error or jam message persists, reset the internal memory by turning the printer on and off 3 to 4 consecutive times.

I hope this will help.

 

Take care and have a good day.